Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico for guidance tailored to your situation.
Detailed Answer
1. Understanding Asset Records in County vs. State Systems
New Mexico divides record-keeping between county offices and statewide registries. Real estate, mineral rights and liens typically appear in county clerk or county assessor records. Business entities, UCC filings and certain professional licenses reside with the New Mexico Secretary of State. Financial accounts and vehicles often require subpoenas or third-party inquiries under New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure.
2. Real Estate and Property Records
To locate real property, visit the county clerk’s office in each county where the person may own land. New Mexico law requires recording deeds and mortgages with the clerk (NMSA 1978, §14-1-5). Many counties offer online GIS mapping and deed databases. Check for:
- Recorded deeds, mortgages and releases.
- Property tax rolls via the county assessor.
- Mineral interest filings in oil and gas producing counties.
3. Business and UCC Filings
Search the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Business Services Portal (portal.sos.state.nm.us) for corporations, LLCs and partnerships. You can view articles of incorporation and annual reports. For secured transactions, check UCC financing statements under the Uniform Commercial Code (NMSA 1978, §55-9-516).
4. Bank, Investment and Insurance Records
Financial institutions do not publish account ownership. Under the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure, you may serve subpoenas on banks, brokers or insurers to produce records. Key rules include:
- Rule 1-026: Subpoena for documents from non-parties.
- Rule 1-033: Written interrogatories to the opposing party.
- Rule 1-034: Requests for production of documents.
5. Vehicles, Boats and Personal Property
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) database lists vehicle registrations and titles. You can submit a written request on form MVD 10004. For boats or trailers, contact the State Game Commission and local jurisdiction.
6. Multicounty and Multistate Strategies
If assets span multiple counties, repeat county-level searches. For assets in other states, use each state’s recorder and secretary of state portals. You may also hire a licensed private investigator or forensic accountant to coordinate nationwide searches.
Helpful Hints
- Start with the most likely county based on residence, business address or last known activity.
- Use exact name matches, but also search known aliases and business d/b/a names.
- Check property tax sale notices for unclaimed assets.
- Leverage online fee-based services (e.g., skip-tracing) for deeper searches.
- Document all searches and keep certified copies of records.
- Consider an attorney’s assistance for complex subpoenas or intergovernmental requests.